Strange days

I had the strangest day on Tuesday. It was the day I was leaving Kenya to go back to Norway. But it didn't really feel like it. I got up really early to head over to Kasarani and the WSF. I finally got the chance to meet a great woman, Prof Wangari Maathai, and also got my book signed. It was one of those moments that you know you will remember for a long time. Three women Nobel Peace Laureates at the same stage in Nairobi. Unforgettable.

But the strange part was when I got home later. I ate lunch with Christina's family, and then I stood on the steps saying, and later waving, goodbye to them as they left to go to India. I was left... in their house. Very strange. But Tash entertained me for the remainder of my stay. I didn't leave until midnight, so there was no reason to get stressed. Which was also strange. Normally the day you are to travel would be spent getting ready, packing, and well, actually doing the travelling. But I just went about as normal. Except that after dinner, I went to the airport and jumped on a flight to Brussels.

So, I arrived in Bodø last evening. The weather is terrible; cold, wet snow and cold, cold wind. And, as always, coming home is also strange. And I never know why. I mean, I wanted to go home, I was ready for a little bit more stability and normality, but it does appear to be just a little bit... well, boring. Not the people, it's great to meet up with all my friends, but I think that during my 7 weeks away I grew used to that new things happened to me. Meeting new people, tasting new food, seeing new places, learning new words (ero kamano!), and not knowing much, but being allowed not to. Now, this of course didn't happen all the time, but from time to time. And the frequency of new things in Bodø is not as high as it was in Kenya. So I just have to adjust to the new old rhythm of life.

But first, chapatties and skuma for lunch:) I have to hold on to some of the "old".

I'm Okay!

A few days ago I got a text from Erik where he asked if I was still alive. Which I am.

and I'm soon leaving nairobi and Kenya. On Tuesday night I fly back home to Norway, and I will arrive in Bodoe on Wednesday afternoon. Hopefully then i will have some more time to write, and tell you all about my stay in Kisumu and my last days here in nairobi. I just wanted you to know that I am all right, and soon on the move again.

And, I'm very excited that both Sam and Sheryl have informed me that they are coming to Norway this summer. I can't wait to see them again! I've missed them so much. It should be great fun.

Happy New Year!

So, I was completely wrong. As you assumed, Sheryl. I wasn’t bored at all. South Coast was great. We went down on the 28th, and after some delays, Christina’s family (including me) and her realtives from Tanzania, were all at the cottage. It was a beatiful cottage, three round houses that surronded the communal living area, that was open (but with a roof). A beatiful place. The pool was just a short walk away from our cottage, but still far enough away so that we couldn’t hear the noise.

Anyway, because the South Coast is so hot and humid I felt like I couldn’t do anything but soke in the pool. But we did do other things as well. We went swimming with dolphins. Not the captured kind, but the wild kind. We weren't sure if we would even be able to spot them, but our guides knew excatly were to lokk for them. And all of a sudden the guides says "who want to try and jump in the water with them?" Christina and I were of course up for that, and minutes (or rather seconds) later we were in the water - swimming with dolphins. They were just beautiful and very playful. A great experience.

We also spendt some time on the beach. And I have to say, the Indian Ocean does not hold the same temperature as the coast of Norway. It was so warm and nice. Even Christina's two year old cousin Ayanna would not get out of the water. All in all a perfect new year celebration.

Now I'm back in Nairobi, getting ready to leave again. On Sunday I'll go to Kisumu. A city just on the shores of Lake Victoria. This trip has been in the makings since before I arrived in Kenya, and I'm very happy that I'm finally going. The research that I will be doing there will be a large part of my thesis. I just need to get everything sorted out. I need a hotel most of all:) Well, I have to get on with my planing and organizing.

Much love


Btw, I had planned to put up some pictures, but it seems that the internet connection is too slow for that... Hopefully there will be some later.